Albis stared at the Demon King in disbelief, “You’re possessed! But how, I thought you possessed the means to hide from the curse!?”

The Demon King laughed as the black mist surrounding his body disappeared, “My plan has a relatively low chance of actually succeeding as it stands, so I decided to take a few matters into my own hands.”

The Emperor caressed his chin, “I was under the impression that the curse chooses it’s host randomly.”

“You’re correct your highness, but there is a way to manipulate who becomes the host. For example, if the host of the curse were to die prematurely, the curse will just transfer itself into a different body. And with that in mind, there’s a rather simple method to allow the curse to possess a specific individual.”

Albis eyes widened, “You didn’t…”

The Demon King smiled, “19,634.”

The Emperor asked, “And that is?”

“The number of Demons I personally killed until the curse within their bodies entered mine.”, the Demon King turned to Albis, “And I know what you want to say. I’m a madman, I’m insane, I’m a monster, and you know what you’re right. I’m a monster because that’s what this world needs right now, not a Hero, not a Demon King, but a monster willing to do anything to make something happen.”

The room went silent upon hearing the Demon King’s words. The Demon King had killed thousands of his own brethren just so he could execute this plan…

The Emperor laughed and clapped his hands, “Ah Truth Seeker, you truly are an amusing Demon. It’s a shame you’re fated to die in only a few more decades. I might have invited you over to tea to have a nice chat.”

“You humble me, your majesty.”

“Indeed, but you never did answer my question. How do you intend to send the curse inside of you into another world?”

“It would require a favor, your majesty.”

“Oh, pray tell?”

“I would like you to send a Crusade over to the Underworld along with the Hero to assault the Demon King’s castle slaying all twelve Generals within a time frame of a week.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I’ve constructed a magic circle in the underground over the past couple centuries with the Demon King’s castle being the focal point. There exist sixteen vital points within the magic circle, and I’ve built four of those points upon dragon veins. However if since there’s only a possibility this may work it would be too dangerous to complete deplete the dragon veins especially if we want to attempt this again so…”

The Emperor's eyes widened, and he applauded the Demon King once more, “You wish to use the crusaders as sacrificial pawns in your ritual! Ah, you’re the best, truly the best!”

Albis called out, “Your majesty!”

However, the Emperor ignored him, and turned around, “Very well I agree to your request. The millions of crusaders will be at your behest to serve as sacrifices for the ritual that shall save the world!”

“Your majesty! This is insane! You’d not only be betraying the Hero but all of your citizens!”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“Betray? The Hero chose to fight the Demon King nine hundred years ago till the end of time, we’re merely following his wish and allowing him to do so eternally within another world. As for betraying my citizens, I’m doing no such thing!”

“But your highness!”

“The citizens have trusted in the royal bloodline for over a millennium. We’re are one of the oldest long-standing Empires and our citizens are proud of it. They understand that every century we must rally together to defeat a common enemy! As an Emperor, it is only fitting that I listen to their requests and oblige! Their sacrifices and valor will inspire the next generation to rise up in the name of our glorious Empire!”

“Your Highness, even the Truth Seeker admits that this plan of his only has a chance of succeeding. What if it fails! Then wouldn’t sacrificing our Hero and millions of lives be for naught!?”

“If we fail, then we merely continue on with this tedious cycle. There’s no real loss, besides if we do succeed allying with the Demons isn’t a half-bad idea.”

The Demon King smiled, “So I take it that we’ve come to an agreement?”

The Emperor smiled, “Naturally.”

The Emperor turned to one of the Royal Guards, and they quickly walked up to the Demon King and handed him a white crystal with a golden cross. The Emperor continued, “With this, you’ll be able to contact me freely, I await the results.”

The Demon King stood back up and put his hood on, “So do I”

Then the Demon King beside Hiro snapped his fingers and the scene changed once more to the Demon King’s castle. He turned to Hiro and asked, “So how was it?”

Hiro shook his head, “Enough with these mind games Demon.”

“You don’t believe me do you.”

“Why would I!? You’re the Demon King, Humanity's greatest enemy for centuries. I have faith in the Holy Empire, they’d never do such a thing!”

The Demon King laughed, “Ah, even after I’ve shown you that, even after living in this world for eleven years you still believe that. The how about this? How do I know what the throne room looks like, how did I replicate the Emperor's younger appearance, how did I recreate all those people?”

“That’s…”, the Hero paused, “That doesn’t matter, you’re the Demon King you’re just trying to get me to betray Humanity!”

“Betray? Oh, Hero, you overestimate your worth. After our souls melded together earlier you already lost your value to me and your Empire. I just wanted to make you the Hero feel but a hint of despair. Now then...”

The Demon King looked at his hand as his body was becoming slightly transparent, “I’m running out of time, so why don’t we say hi to your roommate.”

The Demon King clapped his hands and suddenly the entire ceiling was ripped off and a massive ball of black mist was floating in the air. The Demon King smiled and waved towards Hiro, “Don’t worry, it seems to be a trend to have other people stuck in your heads.”